A rather tremendous single sashayed it's way onto iTunes yesterday - and I'm not talking about Britney's mono-toned Work, Bitch. While everyone is getting their maserati and bugati onto that, I am imploring the world to have some sanity and embrace the frankly amazing debut single from the ever so good indeed duo Cars and Calories. Comprised of Michael Markussen and Jim Andre Bergsted , the duo come from Norway (home of the A1 boyband comeback!) and named the band after their favourite Saves The Day song (I think, my translation of this article may be a little rusty!) You may think this gives you an idea of the type of music they play - and there is certainly a driving rock element to their debut single Runner Up; however, together with the Crush Boys (the always lovely Daniel Volpe/Thomas Lipp) & Charlie Mason, they have crafted a vibrant, energetic song that feels as much bracing, invigorating pop as it does thrusting and pulsating rock. Lyrically, it tells a tale of their girlfriend/boyfriend spending far too much time with another fella and the Cars & Calories guys wondering how platonic this relationship actually is. It's a song that is filled with suspicion and accusations yet never becomes full on Alanis-angry thanks to the thumping heart of the song - impassioned vocals filled with a yearning pleading to love him or be set free. It's these vocals that bring the brilliant, insightful lyrics to life - with some genuinely engaging falsetto moments that underscore the drama & emotion of the galloping words. Equally as important to the song is the intricately arranged music - the song starts off with cascading chimes before an acoustic guitar strums into view with a powerful energy to it that aids the growing frustration of the lyrical-vocal combo. By the time the stupendous, all conquering chorus is unleashed it washes over you like this almighty thundering sonic wall of sound that encapsulates every fibre of energy, angst & tenuous hope built up so far. It's the solid anchor of the tune, with a refrain that just won't quit; sounding exactly like the type of song that creeps into the top ten and takes up residency there for months. There are also some genuinely lovely stripped back moments in the song - most notably during the bridge where the vocals really get a chance to shine, sounding beautifully organic and earnest. All in all, it's a song that transcends trends and shines all the brighter because of it - they may be runners up in the song, but they've sprinted into first place in my competitive pop world. Can't wait for more more more from the chaps as this is one of the best debut songs released this year. ACES.
(Listen here)
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